Petrol prices getting you down? Feel like everything’s too expensive and you might have to put that holiday on hold? Check out our guide to the low-down on cheap ways to get around, so you can take that break without breaking the bank!

Wicked Campers

Ok, ok, so petrol prices hurt. But when you split the costs between a few friends and don’t have to pay for accommodation, we think Wicked Campers are a pretty, well, wicked, way to travel! In case you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing a Wicked Camper yet, let us describe them to you. Think of a Kombi van or VW, then imagine your favourite graffiti artist has covered it in colourful, wonderful scrawl and messages of love, hope, inspiration and travel motivation.

The peeps behind Wicked Campers take an old van, soup it up and then pass it on to you, dear traveller. There are numerous pick up/drop off points in Australia, Africa, Canada, New Zealand, Italy and England, so you can grab your van, head halfway around the country and then not have to travel all the way back just to return it. Wicked are more relaxed than most hire car companies about bumps and scratches, so you won’t have to fret about expensive insurance.

www.wickedcampers.com.au

(from there you can access contry specific sites)

Hostelling International

If you haven’t already discovered the joy of hostels, shame on you!! Youth Hostels, especially those accredited by Hostelling International, provide cheap, friendly accommodation throughout the countryside and major cities. Forget about spending €100 a night on a hotel, you can stay in hostels for between €12 and €25, or similar amounts in other currencies.

Hostels have come a long way since the backpacker hovels of the seventies, they are now given star ratings from the HI guide, where you can also find user reviews. Pick your style of accommodation according to your needs: you can usually choose from dorms, single or double rooms. Hostels are usually self-contained and/or provide breakfast (check HI for each hostel’s specific details) so you won’t have to spend tonnes of money on eating out. The community vibe at most hostels mean you will always find someone to party with!

www.hihostels.com

House Swapping

If you’re willing to take cheap accommodation to the next level, try house swapping or couching it at a new friends place! Instead of just relying on friends of friends and long lost cousins in far off places to put you up for the night, you can register on ExplorerGirls.com and display the house icon indicating you’re willing to house swap or share accommodation with a fellow ExplorerGirl.

You can also use the Forum to find girls willing to swap or share accommodation. This allows you to hook up with other cool girls all over the world who are willing to exchange their house or offer a spare room for the night! So, you will rarely go without a bed. All you have to do is sign up for ExplorerGirls.com, fill in some details, chat with your prospective host online (send messages or use the chat room) and Bang! You’ve got yourself a make-shift bed or cool house to exchange!

www.ExplorerGirls.com

Cycling

Cycling holidays are getting ever-more popular. And why not? With the cost of petrol sky-rocketing, everything from driving to flying is getting more expensive. But when it comes to cycling, the only fuel you need is the energy in your legs!

Cycling is a great way to see the world, especially if you’re in Europe where everything is fairly accessible and the scenery in between destinations is breathtaking. Amsterdam.for example, is the cycling capital of the world; flat land and canals everywhere mean that cycling has always been the best mode of transport in the Netherlands’ thriving hub.

For something more adventurous try mountain biking with a tour in South Africa.

www.cycletours.com

www.mikesbiketoursamsterdam.com

www.nicholsexpeditions.com/biking

www.mountainbikingafrica.co.za

www.cyclemashatu.co.za



WWOOF

No, we’re not suggesting any wacky kind of holiday involving your dog, but an alternative way to see the world and get connected with your surroundings. WWOOF, or World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, is a project designed to help out local farmers and allow you to stay somewhere gorgeous without paying a cent!

Travellers are employed by farmers who, in return, offer them food, board and sometimes, mini tours of the local surrounds and customs. WWOOF has host farms all over the world, from Brazil to Italy and everywhere in between Bring all your enthusiasm for sustainable farming processes and you will be richly rewarded! Perfect for a backpacker who has just landed on hard times but can’t face the thought of missing out on an awesome adventure!

www.wwoof.org

Educational Escapes

Don't spend all day shopping while your on holidays. Go and check out the local museum or art exhibitions and soak up the cultural ambience.

Check their websites for information on free days first! Most major museums allow free admission for one day every month to help out us poor folk. Instead of charging the usual €5-25 admission fees, they charge zilch! This is awesome, especially if you are paying for children as well. Check out the website for your museum of choice to see what they have on offer.

Museums Around the World

www.ExplorerGirls.com / Gemma Considine